Who is SECNA?
The Social Enterprise Council of NSW and ACT (SECNA) Limited is a sector-led peak body that represents social enterprises in NSW and ACT, to support, encourage and promote social enterprises in the following ways:
1. Engage and connect the social enterprise sector in NSW and ACT
2. Secure investment and policy change for the sector
3. Be an organisation that can sustain and grow our impact.
What is the board of directors?
SECNA is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee (CLG). It is not a deductible gift
recipient. SECNA is registered as a charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits
Commission (ACNC) and as such, must comply with the requirements of the Australian
Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Act 2012 (Cth) and the Australian Charities and
Not-for-profits Commission Regulation 2013 (Cth). As a company limited by guarantee, SECNA also owes a number of obligations to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, although it is primarily regulated by the ACNC.
The board of directors is responsible for governing and overseeing the affairs of SECNA.
Generally it is the board’s responsibility to identify an organisation’s strategic direction and
goals. This is different to the role of the management of a company (that is, employees of the company like the CEO and other management staff) who have responsibility for the
day-to-day decision-making and running of a company. The SECNA Constitution prohibits
SECNA from paying fees to its directors.
SECNA’s Constitution sets out further details about its board.
How many positions will be vacant at the 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM)?
There will be at least three (3) vacancies (as the Constitution allows for between 3 and 9
directors). Term: 3 years
Current directors (alphabetical order by first name):
- Amanda Choy (Casual appointment into vacant position - up for election)
- Andrew Marselos (Chair)
- Dominique Antarakis (Deputy Chair)
- Greg Hodgkinson
- Jay Boolkin
- Katie Puttock (Casual appointment into vacant position- up for election)
- Lisa Priest (Treasurer)
What do SECNA expect from their directors?
Directors are expected to carry out their governance duties as well as be actively involved in the development and governance of SECNA’s strategic plan.
Directors must:
- Fulfil their fiduciary duties in line with all applicable laws and regulation
- Provide strategic and financial oversight
- Identify and manage risks that could affect SECNA’S financial and operational health
- Assess and vote on membership
- Attend at least 80% of board meetings
- Prepare effectively for board meetings
- Be actively involved in at least one committee or working group to complete the
administration and execution of SECNA’s strategic goals
- Other responsibilities:
Stakeholder engagement: building relationships and encouraging active participation
of members, funders, industry, government, staff, volunteers and the wider community - Evaluation: monitoring the organisation’s performance and identify areas for
improvement - Policy development and oversight: supporting the development and review of policies that strengthen SECNA as an organisation (and upholding our code of conduct)
- Fundraising: supporting SECNA’s fundraising efforts so the organisation can sustain
itself
What is the time commitment?
The expected commitment is a minimum of 1 meeting per month (including 6-12 board
meetings and 6-12 working group or committee meetings each year) and another 10-15 hours per month. Where possible, meetings are held online. We are flexible to accommodate the participation of directors from regional NSW and the ACT.
Directors are expected to lead or participate in a subcommittee. As at August 2026 there are three subcommittees: ‘Finance and Audit’, ‘People and Culture’ and ‘Fundraising and
Membership’.
Who is SECNA looking for?
SECNA are looking for some specific skills and lived experience - to either fill a gap in the current board or to create opportunities for SECNA to grow:
- Strategic government engagement: Experience leading successful strategic advocacy
and government relations. - Financial acumen: Background in financial planning, accounting, and commercial
strategy, to support SECNA’s financial sustainability. - Not for profit board experience: Experience on the board of NFP organisations
including in roles of chair and treasurer or experience reporting to a board. - Social enterprise experience: Experience founding, leading or working for a social
enterprise - Legal experience: Experience working within the legal field and/or legal education.
- Governance experience: Ability to implement and maintain robust governance
frameworks, develop strategy team and monitor performance, and an understanding
of regulatory requirements (AICD Company Director Course or Diploma of
Governance highly regarded).
SECNA are also committed to ensuring the board reflects the diversity of the social
enterprise sector. We highly encourage applications from members from our regions,
across sectors, from women and people from other diverse backgrounds (including
Indigenous, culturally diverse, gender diverse and people living with disabilities).
How is a director elected?
To nominate as a director:
- You must be a member of SECNA when you nominate. You may be an Industry or
Associate Member. - Your nomination must be supported by at least 2 current Industry Members. There is a directory of industry members available on our website. If the membership type is
‘Emerging’ they are ineligible as nomination supporters. - To submit your nomination you must do either of the following:
a. Complete an online Director Nomination Form, OR
b. Download and complete the downloadable Director Nomination Form and
email it to the SECNA team at secretary@secna.org.au - Send your CV and intention to nominate via email to secretary@secna.org.au
SECNA must receive your nomination by 12:00 PM Wednesday 2 September 2026.
The process of electing a director:
If there are more candidates than positions a vote of Industry Members will be held at the
AGM to determine who are the preferred candidates. A resolution will be proposed to appoint the preferred candidates as a director.
Next steps
- To find out more about being a director of SECNA, join us at a virtual Directors’
Information Session on:
○ Tuesday, August 25 12:00-1:00 PM, or
○ Wednesday, August 26 6:00-7:00 PM
The meeting will not be recorded so if you cannot make this appointment please
contact Andrew via chair@secna.org.au and we will arrange for a director to give you a call. - For further information and documents to assist with your due diligence please reach
out to Andrew via chair@secna.org.au or Kate via secretary@secna.org.au. - Submit your Director Nomination Form so that it is received by 12:00 PM, Wednesday 2 September.
